Miscellaneous 2024, November

The Mournful Fate of White Widows, or Why Indian Women Cherish Husbands

The Mournful Fate of White Widows, or Why Indian Women Cherish Husbands

Indian women cherish and groom their husbands. If the husband is sick, the wife fasts. The husband is never called by name because it is believed that the spoken name shortens the life of the spouse. The wife never walks alongside, but always a little behind. She addresses him to you and washes his feet. And all this is often not out of great love, but in order to avoid the fate of the "white widow"

Parallel Lives: Soviet Celebrities Who Lived in Two Families at the Same Time

Parallel Lives: Soviet Celebrities Who Lived in Two Families at the Same Time

The first time after the October Revolution in the young Land of the Soviets, complete freedom of morals reigned, and adherence to traditional family values was considered old-fashioned. Time returned everything to its place, the realization of the value of the institution of marriage came, public opinion took the side of the strong cell of Soviet society. But even then there were public people who lived simultaneously in two families

5 famous directors who not only made films, but were also talented teachers

5 famous directors who not only made films, but were also talented teachers

Domestic cinema knows many talented directors who have left a bright mark on the history of cinema. However, not all of them can boast that not only had talent themselves, but were also able to raise worthy students, who repeated the success of their teachers, brought their own view of life in general and cinema in particular to cinema. In our today's review, we suggest recalling the best domestic film directors and educators

The amazing fate of Georgy Svetlani - a Soviet actor who, as a child, was a friend of Tsarevich Alexei

The amazing fate of Georgy Svetlani - a Soviet actor who, as a child, was a friend of Tsarevich Alexei

Remember the old man who settles down to drink beer for the trinity Experienced-Goonies-Coward in the "Caucasian Captive" or the assistant to the heroine Nonna Mordyukova in the "Diamond Hand"? Georgy Svetlani was one of those actors whom the audience knew for sure by sight, but at the same time they did not remember their last name and could hardly name the films in which they starred. And all because Grigory Danilovich is an unsurpassed master of the episode. The life of Grigory Danilovich was no less interesting than the cinema

Behind the scenes of the film "Taras Bulba": Why Bogdan Stupka considered this picture the most terrible in his acting career

Behind the scenes of the film "Taras Bulba": Why Bogdan Stupka considered this picture the most terrible in his acting career

Action-drama "Taras Bulba" directed by Vladimir Bortko almost immediately after its release in 2009 literally tore the audience into two polar camps, which in itself testifies to the fact that this work of the talented master was able to really catch the eye. And not only to hook each viewer individually, but also to affect the interests of several neighboring powers. No matter what controversy today is about this film, no matter how some - not scolded, and others - praised it, but all agree on

Unfulfilled dreams of Alexei Buldakov: Why the main general of cinema did not become a pilot and did not play Beethoven

Unfulfilled dreams of Alexei Buldakov: Why the main general of cinema did not become a pilot and did not play Beethoven

For 37 years of his film career, Alexey Buldakov managed to play more than 120 roles. However, for fans, he will forever remain the main general of our cinema. The artist, who was "popular" both by official status and, most importantly, by the real attitude of the audience towards him, passed away, having recently celebrated his 68th birthday. In this review, I would like to recall how the creative career began and how the personal life of the actor developed, who created the cinematic image of the beloved Mikhalych

Siberian Angel: How the Swedish Sister of Mercy, who did not divide people into "us" and "strangers", saved soldiers during the war

Siberian Angel: How the Swedish Sister of Mercy, who did not divide people into "us" and "strangers", saved soldiers during the war

Elsa Brandstrom dedicated her life to saving people. Even the Civil War in Russia did not stop her. The woman crossed the front line between red and white, realizing that at any moment she could be dealt with. But the sense of duty was stronger than the instinct for self-preservation

Was there really a shaman queen Himiko who successfully ruled the Japanese people for half a century?

Was there really a shaman queen Himiko who successfully ruled the Japanese people for half a century?

A woman leader, a woman ruler - this always arouses interest and awe. In Japan, which even today has not lost some of the features of patriarchy, there are still legends about one such "superwoman", and historians are still arguing whether this is a real character or still a fictional one. In any case, this story is very beautiful, besides, as you know, there is no smoke without fire. It will be about the famous Himiko - the supreme ruler and at the same time the high priestess of her kingdom, who lived around

Post in memory of Alexander Chislov: Why the king of the episode passed away so early

Post in memory of Alexander Chislov: Why the king of the episode passed away so early

There were almost no leading roles in his filmography, but it was not for nothing that Alexander Chislov was called the king of the episode. The actor has starred in more than 250 films and his every appearance on the screen was vivid and memorable. He never sat without work, the directors gladly invited him to their projects, but behind the scenes the actor's life was far from being so rosy. Alexander Chislov died on August 29, 2019, he was only 54 years old

What the most famous merchant families have done for the good of Russia

What the most famous merchant families have done for the good of Russia

The Russian merchants are now part of our history that has remained in the last century, and we are gradually beginning to forget about the contribution made by representatives of some eminent dynasties. Meanwhile, in tsarist Russia, the word "patronage" was closely associated with the names of successful merchants. Many of these highly educated people, art critics and philanthropists with a capital letter, had a huge impact on the formation of Russian education and culture

10 best historical dramas of the 21st century that will take you into the past like a time machine

10 best historical dramas of the 21st century that will take you into the past like a time machine

Historical cinema has always been a favorite in the film industry. And this is no accident, because all the events of past years have influenced our life and the course of history. In our age of modern technologies, watching these films is a pleasure, because you can see the past in colors and with special effects. Thanks to historical films, there is an opportunity to touch all the significant events of our history, look into the castles of kings, see the horror of past wars, clashes of nations and much more. We offer to plunge into the past and

What is the secret of the popularity of the TV series "Billions" - a film about those who make the world bend under themselves

What is the secret of the popularity of the TV series "Billions" - a film about those who make the world bend under themselves

Too much professional slang, too few attractive character traits, complex financial machinations, primitive human weaknesses - and yet "Billions" received the same audience recognition and rather high ratings. What's the secret to the show's success? In addressing the world-old theme of the struggle for money and for power? Or in a game led by heroes - a game that is subtle and often rather dirty, but still exciting, because the stakes are very high?

Thucydides' plague: Who was killed by the epidemic of the 5th century BC?

Thucydides' plague: Who was killed by the epidemic of the 5th century BC?

In that epidemic, they saw the wrath of the gods falling on Athens. And even now it is difficult not to see something like fate in what happened, because it was then that a turning point occurred in the war, in Athenian history, in the course of the development of the ancient world. Among the thousands of unknown victims of that "plague" was the main Athenian statesman at that time, and it was his death that caused the military and political crisis

7 anti-crisis dishes that can be easily prepared at home: Burger, Potato cake, etc

7 anti-crisis dishes that can be easily prepared at home: Burger, Potato cake, etc

At a time when people are forced to limit their contact with the outside world, they strive to make the most of all the products stored at home. While the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a whole new experience for people from all countries, history knows many examples of how home cooks used creativity in difficult times. Our roundup today contains seven delicious dishes that came from difficult times. Ingredients for their preparation can be found in any home

What books does the new President of the United States Joe Biden read?

What books does the new President of the United States Joe Biden read?

The newly elected US president is by no means a newcomer to politics. This is not the first time he took part in the presidential elections and became the oldest president of the United States in history. He is 77 years old, and Joe Biden entered the political arena when he was not yet thirty. For more than forty years, he has given many interviews that will help to understand which books the new president of the United States considers useful for himself

10 books that helped Elon Musk, Mikhail Prokhorov, Bill Gates and others become rich and successful

10 books that helped Elon Musk, Mikhail Prokhorov, Bill Gates and others become rich and successful

On the shelves of bookstores, you can find many publications that promise their readers an almost instant change in their attitude to money and, as a result, a quick enrichment. But those who actually managed to get rich have a special view of books. In our today's review, you can get acquainted with those books that, according to the richest people on the planet, helped them achieve success

10 famous books that could have very different titles

10 famous books that could have very different titles

It is hard to imagine that world famous works could be called completely differently. However, the difficulties of coming up with a title can only be understood by those who have at least once tried to title a book, article, or even a small essay. Many writers, working on their creation, already managed to somehow title it, but after painful thoughts, advice from a loved one, or at the insistence of the editor of the publishing house, the name changed

10 most popular audiobooks in Russia that you definitely won't get bored with

10 most popular audiobooks in Russia that you definitely won't get bored with

Today's rhythm of life also dictates new conditions for acquaintance of a person with literature. Even passionate book lovers cannot always afford to spend a few hours reading. That is why audiobooks have firmly entered the life of a modern person. We offer in our today's review to get acquainted with the list of the most popular audiobooks in Russia

Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier: 20 years of love that began with a cinematic novel

Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier: 20 years of love that began with a cinematic novel

The love story of world famous actors Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier lasted for more than two decades. Their relationship began with love on stage, and developed into an all-consuming passion and love in real life. But life is not a theatrical stage, and not everyone manages to pass the tests that are in store for them

12 best books of the twentieth century according to the version of the New York Public Library, which are worth reading for cultural people

12 best books of the twentieth century according to the version of the New York Public Library, which are worth reading for cultural people

The New York Public Library is one of the largest in the world with an extensive network and access to the best books. During the preparation of the exhibition "The Best Books of the 20th Century", a list of the most significant printed publications was compiled, while the creators divided the books into thematic sections. In total, 175 books were shown at the exhibition, and in our today's review 12 of them are presented

Tsar's childhood: How the royal offspring were brought up and punished in Russia

Tsar's childhood: How the royal offspring were brought up and punished in Russia

Who in childhood did not dream of being in the place of a princess or a tsarevich? By all accounts, the royal children sleep on soft featherbeds, eat some cakes and generally do whatever they want. But if such a dreamer had exchanged places with someone of the scions of the Romanov dynasty for at least one day, he would have been severely disappointed

Why Nicholas II forbade his brother Mikhail to return to Russia

Why Nicholas II forbade his brother Mikhail to return to Russia

The tragic fate of the last Romanovs was part of a long series of events that drastically changed the life of Russia. In previous eras, there were riots, but they were suppressed, and the life of the country was getting better. But then there was still no spiritual abyss between the monarch and the people that had formed by 1917. The loss of the religious understanding of the monarchy as an institution led to disaster. In March 1917, the question of whether or not there should be a Russian monarchy was decided in one of the Petrograd apartments in a house on Mill Street

Where did the British Queen Elizabeth II get the tiara from the lost family treasures of the Romanovs?

Where did the British Queen Elizabeth II get the tiara from the lost family treasures of the Romanovs?

The last Russian monarch possessed untold wealth, and the Romanovs were the richest family among all European ruling dynasties. After the overthrow of the tsar, the Romanovs took their jewelry and many valuable things with them into exile in Tobolsk - it was there that Nicholas II and his family members were sent. According to the official version, their treasures, packed in several chests, left with them. The rest of the values that remained in the Alexander Palace were transferred to the museum

How Oleg Yankovsky and Robert de Niro were friends - stars separated by the "iron curtain"

How Oleg Yankovsky and Robert de Niro were friends - stars separated by the "iron curtain"

The two great actors of the 20th century, born on opposite ends of the globe and divided by the political contradictions of the Cold War, had little chance of meeting, much less making friends. However, this acquaintance took place. The friendship of the Soviet and American cinema stars lasted more than 25 years, until 2009, when Oleg Yankovsky passed away

The Apennine Colossus - a huge "living" statue of the 16th century

The Apennine Colossus - a huge "living" statue of the 16th century

Villa di Pratolino is considered one of the most picturesque villas in Italy. In addition to architectural ensembles, there is a stunning 10-meter sculpture depicting the Apennine Colossus on its territory. Incredibly realistic, it is a favorite tourist attraction in the area

French pop legend Marie Laforêt: Performer of the song, the melody of which has been played every evening in the Vremya program for more than thirteen years

French pop legend Marie Laforêt: Performer of the song, the melody of which has been played every evening in the Vremya program for more than thirteen years

Those who happened to be born and live in the Soviet Union, of course, remember well the melody that accompanied the weather forecast every evening for many years, ending the main television news program. But most of the Soviet people knew nothing about the song written to this music, as well as about its famous performer Marie Laforte

Male acting friendship: What brought Boris Galkin, Vladimir Kachan and Leonid Filatov together

Male acting friendship: What brought Boris Galkin, Vladimir Kachan and Leonid Filatov together

Each of them is a famous actor, with their fans, their viewers and directors. But Boris Galkin and Vladimir Kachan always, without a shadow of a doubt, gave the palm to their friend Leonid Filatov. He has always been more talented, more creative and sensitive. Boris Galkin and Vladimir Kachan are still loyal to this strong male friendship, although more than 17 years have passed since the departure of Leonid Filatov

Not Egypt alone: Where and why did the ancients build pyramids

Not Egypt alone: Where and why did the ancients build pyramids

Everyone knows about the famous pyramids of Egypt. Thanks to their sheer size and stunningly precise engineering, it seems that these otherworldly artifacts simply grew up in the desert. But the pyramid is a fairly common shape used by ancient and modern builders to create impressive structures. Here are examples of 10 lesser known pyramids that deserve no less close attention than those that were erected in Giza

The most famous misalliance in cinema and on stage

The most famous misalliance in cinema and on stage

Misalliance - unequal marriages in which the spouses have different social status, income or age. In our time, the origin does not play a big role. As for finances, everyone has long been accustomed to the situation where a rich man marries a poor woman. But as for age … Here the popular rumor is still merciless and considers it to be something beyond the bounds of decency

9 celebrities who married the same partner twice

9 celebrities who married the same partner twice

Is it possible to renew relationships between the same people who have experienced divorce? Does this not prolong the agony of feelings doomed to extinction? Among celebrities, remarriages to ex-partners are not uncommon. For some, a second chance becomes really happy, for others it is just a painful delay in the inevitable breakup

15 incredible examples of movie stars living in their roles

15 incredible examples of movie stars living in their roles

Sometimes actors, in order to get used to a new role, have to radically change their habits and even their way of life. And some film actors do go to extremes in order to maximally correspond to the image invented by the authors of the film

10 recently discovered artifacts that are changing the perception of ancient religions

10 recently discovered artifacts that are changing the perception of ancient religions

Since ancient times, thousands of religions, cults and beliefs have evolved along with humanity. The study of ancient sanctuaries and artifacts allows archaeologists to confirm facts that were mentioned only in the scriptures and to learn more about extinct religions

7 famous men who found the strength to forgive cheating and start from scratch

7 famous men who found the strength to forgive cheating and start from scratch

One of the most common reasons for divorce is adultery. Forgetting the betrayal and forgiving it seems almost impossible. But admitting that both are to blame for treason can be much more difficult. Women are more capable of forgiveness, but men can also admit their mistakes and forgive others. Celebrities who have managed to forgive a woman for cheating, inspire respect and make you believe that real feelings can help in overcoming any crises

The image of the mythical Gorgon: from coins of Ancient Greece to the present day

The image of the mythical Gorgon: from coins of Ancient Greece to the present day

The Gorgon myth tells of three sisters (Medusa, Sfeno and Euryale), the most famous of whom is Medusa. They were originally beautiful girls who were then turned into disgusting monsters by angry Athena

How did the fate of Stalin's grandchildren develop, which of them was proud of their grandfather, and who was hiding their kinship with the "leader of the peoples"

How did the fate of Stalin's grandchildren develop, which of them was proud of their grandfather, and who was hiding their kinship with the "leader of the peoples"

Joseph Vissarionovich had three children and at least nine grandchildren. The youngest of them was born in 1971 in America. It is interesting that almost no one from the second generation of the Dzhugashvili family even saw their famous grandfather, but everyone has their own opinion about him. Someone neatly tells their own children about their grandfather's crimes, and someone actively defends the "leader of the peoples" and writes books, justifying the difficult decisions that he had to make in difficult times

Why Gala's daughter did not communicate with her mother, and how her life turned out: "child of surrealism" Cecile Eluard

Why Gala's daughter did not communicate with her mother, and how her life turned out: "child of surrealism" Cecile Eluard

As you know, Salvador Dali did not have children. But his muse and wife Gala had a daughter, who was born in the first marriage of Elena Dyakonov and Paul Eluard. Cecile Eluard lived for almost a hundred years and throughout her life she diligently avoided publicity. Was the fate of this girl, who received the nickname "child of surrealism", happy, and why did she never give interviews either about her mother or about her shocking husband, the brilliant Salvador Dali?

Why some Ottoman sultans were raised in cages

Why some Ottoman sultans were raised in cages

In the very heart of Istanbul there is a luxurious palace of the Ottoman sultans - Topkapi. It was here that the royal residence of the rulers of one of the most powerful empires of their time was located. An unremarkable room hidden behind a high wall adjoins the huge complex, given over to the harem. This room is called a cafe, or cell. Potential heirs to the throne were imprisoned here. Here they were doomed to stay until the end of their days, slowly going mad. Why did the sultans act with their

The last Louis, baby False Dmitry, the Orthodox son-in-law of the French king: How children died in an adult struggle for power

The last Louis, baby False Dmitry, the Orthodox son-in-law of the French king: How children died in an adult struggle for power

The struggle for power has never spared children. In the eyes of their parents' political opponents, girls and boys were simply an obstacle to power or a means that could be used by enemies. At best, princes and princesses, princes and princesses, became fugitives who lost their homeland, like the Iranian or Greek dynasties. But often the cases were far worse; here are just three of them

How the wife of Paul I turned from a "wax princess" into a "cast-iron empress"

How the wife of Paul I turned from a "wax princess" into a "cast-iron empress"

The second wife of Paul I, Maria Fedorovna, had a chance to undergo a metamorphosis from a "wax princess" to a "cast-iron empress". Sophia Maria Dorothea of Württemberg was brought up in accordance with the ideas of that time about the role of women and her destiny. She tried to make up her husband's happiness, gave birth to ten children. But when the family idyll cracked at the seams, a strong-willed woman gradually woke up in her - if she had been like that from the very beginning, their relationship with Catherine II could well have

What the Russian Empire did to tame the Ottoman Empire: the Russian-Turkish wars

What the Russian Empire did to tame the Ottoman Empire: the Russian-Turkish wars

Since the 16th century, Russia has regularly fought the Ottoman Empire. The reasons for the military conflicts were different: the attempts of the Turks on the possessions of the Russians, the struggle for the Black Sea region and the Caucasus, the desire to control the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. Rarely did it take more than 20 years from the end of one war to the start of the next. And in the overwhelming number of clashes, of which there were officially 12, citizens of the Russian Empire emerged victorious. Here are some episodes